Where To Donate Old or Used Clothes to Charity – The best charities to donate clothes

Donating old or used clothes to charity is a compassionate act that not only helps those in need but also allows individuals to declutter their wardrobes while making a positive impact on communities.

Choosing the right charity to donate to is crucial, as it ensures that contributions are utilized effectively to support various causes and populations.

In this guide, we explore the best charities accepting clothes donations, providing options for individuals to support initiatives aligned with their values and priorities.

What Are The Best Charities And Organizations That Take Clothes Donations?

1. One Warm Coat: One Warm Coat is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing warm clothing to individuals in need, especially during the colder months. They accept donations of gently used coats and distribute them to local agencies and shelters across the United States. By donating to One Warm Coat, individuals can help ensure that those facing hardship have access to essential winter clothing.
2. United Way: United Way is a global nonprofit organization that focuses on addressing community needs and improving lives through various programs and initiatives. While United Way’s work encompasses a wide range of social issues, many local chapters accept donations of clothing to support individuals and families facing economic challenges. Donations to United Way contribute to their efforts to strengthen communities and provide assistance to those in need.
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a youth mentoring organization that matches adult volunteers (Bigs) with children (Littles) to provide mentorship and support. While their primary focus is on mentorship programs, many local chapters also accept donations of clothing and other items to assist families in their communities. Donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America helps support their mission of empowering youth and fostering positive relationships.
4. Planet Aid: Planet Aid is a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental sustainability and global development. They operate clothing collection bins across the United States, where individuals can donate gently used clothing and shoes. Planet Aid sells donated items to fund international development projects focused on education, health, and poverty alleviation. Donating to Planet Aid not only promotes environmental conservation but also supports humanitarian efforts worldwide.
5. Career Gear: Career Gear is a nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career development services to men in need. They accept donations of business attire, including suits, shirts, and ties, to help men dress for success and secure employment opportunities. Donating to Career Gear enables individuals to support men on their journey to economic independence and professional growth.
6. The Red Cross: The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization known for its disaster relief efforts and lifesaving services. While the Red Cross primarily focuses on emergency response and blood donation, some chapters accept clothing donations to assist individuals affected by disasters and emergencies. Donating to the Red Cross helps provide essential support to communities in crisis.
7. Amvets National Service Foundation: AMVETS (American Veterans) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families. They accept donations of clothing, household goods, and other items to support their programs and services for veterans, including job training, housing assistance, and mental health support. Donating to AMVETS enables individuals to give back to those who have served their country.
8. The Arc: The Arc is a national organization that advocates for and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While their primary focus is on advocacy and services for individuals with IDD, some local chapters accept clothing donations to benefit their programs and initiatives. Donating to The Arc helps promote inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
9. Savers: Savers is a for-profit thrift store chain that partners with nonprofit organizations to support local communities. They accept donations of clothing, accessories, and household items at their retail locations, with proceeds from sales benefiting their nonprofit partners. Donating to Savers allows individuals to support charitable causes while also reducing waste through recycling and reuse.
10. Donate My Dress: Donate My Dress is a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes prom dresses and formal attire to girls in need. They accept donations of gently used dresses and accessories to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to attend prom and other special events feeling confident and empowered. Donating to Donate My Dress helps make memorable experiences possible for young women across the country.
11. Society of St. Vincent De Paul: The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is a Catholic volunteer organization that provides assistance to individuals and families in need. They operate thrift stores and donation centers where individuals can donate clothing, furniture, and other household items. Proceeds from sales support their charitable programs, including food assistance, housing support, and emergency relief. Donating to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul helps address poverty and support vulnerable populations in local communities.
12. Goodwill: Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization that operates thrift stores and provides employment and training services to individuals facing barriers to employment. They accept donations of clothing, household goods, and electronics at their retail locations, with proceeds supporting their job training and placement programs. Donating to Goodwill helps create opportunities for people to build brighter futures through work and independence.
13. Soles4Souls: Soles4Souls is a nonprofit organization that collects new and gently used shoes to distribute to individuals in need around the world. They accept donations of all types of footwear, including athletic shoes, dress shoes, and sandals. Soles4Souls also partners with businesses, retailers, and individuals to host shoe drives and collect donations. Donating to Soles4Souls provides essential footwear to people living in poverty and helps protect their health and well-being.
14. Vietnam Veterans of America: The Vietnam Veterans of America is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and provides support to Vietnam veterans and their families. They accept donations of clothing, household goods, and other items to fund their programs and services, including veterans’ benefits assistance, advocacy, and community outreach. Donating to the Vietnam Veterans of America honors the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and helps ensure they receive the support they deserve.
15. The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is a global charitable organization that provides a wide range of social services, including food assistance, housing support, addiction rehabilitation, and disaster relief. They operate thrift stores where individuals can donate clothing, furniture, appliances, and other items. Proceeds from sales support their programs and services, which benefit millions of people in need each year. Donating to The Salvation Army helps address poverty, addiction, homelessness, and other pressing social issues in communities worldwide.
16. Free The Girls: Free The Girls is a nonprofit organization that empowers survivors of sex trafficking by providing them with economic opportunities through entrepreneurship. They collect donations of gently used bras and distribute them to women in developing countries, where bras are in high demand and can be sold as a means of income. Donating to Free The Girls helps survivors rebuild their lives and regain financial independence through sustainable employment opportunities.

Other Places To Donate Your Old Or Used Clothes

1. Buy Nothing Group: The Buy Nothing Group is a community-based organization that promotes gift-giving and resource-sharing among neighbors. Through local Facebook groups, members offer items they no longer need, including clothing, for free to others in their community. Donating through the Buy Nothing Group allows individuals to directly connect with neighbors and reduce waste by giving their old or used clothes a new home.
2. Freecycle.org: Freecycle.org is an online platform dedicated to keeping usable items out of landfills by facilitating free exchanges between members. Users can post items they wish to give away, including clothing, and others in their community can express interest in receiving them. Donating through Freecycle.org promotes environmental sustainability and ensures that unwanted clothing finds new owners who can benefit from them.
3. Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is an online marketplace where individuals can buy, sell, and trade various items, including clothing. While many users use Facebook Marketplace for buying and selling, it’s also a convenient platform for giving away old or used clothes for free. Donating through Facebook Marketplace allows individuals to reach a wide audience and connect with potential recipients in their local area.
4. Check eBay or Craigslist: eBay and Craigslist are popular online platforms for buying and selling new and used items, including clothing. While these platforms are typically associated with selling, individuals can also choose to offer their old or used clothes for free or at a low cost to others in their community. Donating through eBay or Craigslist provides an opportunity to reach a broad audience and find new homes for unwanted clothing.
5. Local Church And Faith-Based Organizations: Many local churches and faith-based organizations operate clothing donation programs to support individuals and families in need. They may collect donations of clothing and distribute them directly to community members or partner with other charitable organizations to ensure that donations reach those who need them most. Donating to local churches and faith-based organizations allows individuals to support their communities and provide assistance to those facing economic hardship.
6. Thrift Stores Clothes Donations: Thrift stores are retail establishments that sell secondhand clothing and other items at affordable prices. Donating clothing to thrift stores not only helps support their operations but also provides an opportunity for others to purchase quality clothing at reduced prices. Many thrift stores accept donations of old or used clothes and use the proceeds from sales to fund charitable programs and services in their communities.
7. Community Outreach Centers or COC: Community outreach centers are nonprofit organizations that provide various services and resources to underserved populations in their communities. They may operate clothing donation programs to assist individuals and families facing economic challenges. Donating to community outreach centers ensures that clothing donations directly benefit those in need and support the organization’s efforts to promote social and economic justice.
8. Local Schools: Some local schools accept donations of clothing to support students and families experiencing financial hardship. School counselors or social workers may distribute donated clothing to students in need or organize clothing drives to collect items for families in the school community. Donating to local schools helps ensure that students have access to essential clothing items and can focus on their education without worrying about basic needs.
9. Foster Care Programs: Foster care programs provide temporary care and support to children who are unable to live with their biological families. Many foster care agencies accept donations of clothing to ensure that children in foster care have access to appropriate clothing that fits their needs. Donating to foster care programs helps support children in transition and provides them with essential clothing items as they navigate challenging circumstances.
10. Refugee Organizations: Refugee organizations support individuals and families who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, or violence. These organizations often accept donations of clothing to help refugees rebuild their lives in their new communities. Donating to refugee organizations provides refugees with essential clothing items and supports their integration and resettlement efforts.
11. Homeless Shelters: Homeless shelters provide temporary housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Many shelters accept donations of clothing to help residents stay warm and comfortable while they work to stabilize their situations. Donating to homeless shelters ensures that individuals facing homelessness have access to clean clothing and basic necessities as they seek to regain stability in their lives.
12. Nursing Homes And Hospitals: Nursing homes and hospitals may accept donations of clothing to support residents and patients in their care. Many elderly individuals or patients may require assistance with clothing due to mobility or health issues, and donations can help ensure they have comfortable and appropriate attire. Donating to nursing homes and hospitals helps improve the quality of life for residents and patients by providing essential clothing items.
13. Sober Living Houses: Sober living houses provide supportive living environments for individuals recovering from addiction. Many sober living houses accept donations of clothing to help residents rebuild their lives and transition to independent living. Donating to sober living houses supports individuals in recovery and provides them with clothing to help them focus on their sobriety journey.
14. Free Clothes Banks: Free clothes banks are community-based initiatives that offer free clothing to individuals and families in need. These organizations may operate clothing distribution centers or host events where individuals can access donated clothing at no cost. Donating to free clothes banks directly benefits individuals facing economic hardship and promotes community solidarity and support.
15. Transitional Or Youth Emergency Shelters: Transitional shelters and youth emergency shelters provide temporary housing and support services to individuals and families in crisis situations. Many shelters accept donations of clothing to help residents meet their basic needs during their stay. Donating to transitional shelters and youth emergency shelters ensures that individuals and families have access to essential clothing items as they work toward stability and independence.
16. Animal Shelters: Animal shelters provide care and shelter to animals in need of adoption. While their primary focus is on caring for animals, many shelters also accept donations of pet supplies, including clothing for animals. Donating to animal shelters helps support their efforts to provide a safe and comfortable environment for animals awaiting adoption and promotes responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, donating old or used clothes to charity is a meaningful way to give back to those in need while decluttering your own wardrobe.

By supporting reputable charities and organizations, individuals can ensure that their contributions make a positive impact on communities and individuals facing various challenges.

Whether donating to well-known charities such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army, or exploring alternative options like local schools and foster care programs, there are numerous opportunities to contribute to worthy causes and make a difference in the lives of others.

Additionally, donating clothes to online platforms like Freecycle.org and Facebook Marketplace, as well as participating in community-driven initiatives like Buy Nothing Groups, fosters a sense of community and promotes environmental sustainability by giving old clothes new life.

Overall, donating old or used clothes is not only a practical way to support those in need but also a compassionate act that helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Why Should I Donate My Old Clothes to Charity?

Donating clothes helps those in need, reduces waste by keeping items out of landfills, and allows you to declutter your wardrobe.

How Do I Choose the Right Charity to Donate My Clothes?

Consider the cause you want to support, the location of the charity, and the type of clothing they accept. Research reputable organizations to ensure your donation will be used effectively.

What Types of Clothing Are Typically Accepted by Charities?

Most charities accept gently used clothing, including shirts, pants, coats, dresses, shoes, and accessories. Some organizations may have specific needs, such as professional attire or winter coats.